Project: Family-Friendly Modern Apartment
Architect: Brian Billings – BFB Architect
Interior designer: Karen Gorman Design
Location: New York City, New York
Photography: Molly Schlachter
When architect Brian Billings of BFB Architect and interior designer Karen Gorman set out to renovate this 3-bedroom apartment on Madison Avenue in New York, they knew they wanted to retain the space’s characteristic elements.
“The challenge was to restore and preserve the integrity of the detailing while updating the apartment for the lifestyle of a young family,” says Billings. “Utilized throughout the apartment, transitional detailing—custom millwork, Oak flooring and plaster and wood moldings—links the modern rooms with the traditional feel of the building,”
A thoughtful renovation turned the classic apartment in estate condition into a refined, yet comfortable and kid-friendly modern home.
The design team combined the original dining and living rooms into a flexible, bright and cozy living space grounded by a fireplace flanked with built-in bookshelves.
The large master bedroom was re-configured into an intimately scaled bedroom and a separate, millwork dressing room. And the kids’ bathroom was remodeled to increase usage. The team created a separate vanity area from the tub/WC allowing the family’s three children to use the bath simultaneously.
In the Kitchen, a series of staff and service spaces were incorporated into a large, open space with separate zones for cooking, dining and storage. A small office was maintained directly off the kitchen as a dedicated homework space for the children. In the children’s rooms walk-in closets and built-in cabinetry provide ample storage.
